Apple’s much-anticipated streaming television service is expected to debut next Monday. However, Netflix’s CEO says the long-established streaming video service won’t be participating.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings confirmed Monday that the company won’t be selling subscriptions to its video service through a hub that Apple plans on launching, similar to one that Amazon already uses to sell video subscription services like HBO and Showtime. Facebook is working on a similar plan.
“Apple’s a great company. We want to have people watch our shows on our services,” Hastings said at a press event Monday in Los Angeles.
Netflix’s stance on offering its content via Apple’s new streaming service isn’t surprising, as Netflix has always stood apart from Apple. The service has never been a part of Apple TV features like the “Up Next” feature. And late last year, Netflix stopped selling subscriptions to its service via Apple’s store.
Apple’s streaming television service, while expected to be previewed at next week’s press event, isn’t likely to be launched until later this year. Apple has over two dozen original shows in the planning or production stages, including series featuring major stars, such as Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell, and Jennifer Garner, to name a few. Many of the stars are expected to make an appearance at the event.
A report last week from Bloomberg indicated Apple is planning to launch its new streaming television service with little of its own original content available, but is instead “racing” to finalize deals with networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz ahead of their March 25 event.
When asked how Netflix would compete with its new competitors, which include Apple, Disney, and AT&T’s WarnerMedia, Hastings first said “with difficulty.” He then took a bit more optimistic tack, saying: “These are amazing, large, well-funded companies … but you do your best job when you have great competitors.”
Apple is expected to preview its streaming video service on Monday, March 25, at an event set to be held at its Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California.